STEM Program 7 th and 8 th Grade Year

Alternative Energy Students will use a model wind turbine to determine efficiency and use mathematics to calculate voltage output. They will use a solar panel to gain an understanding of the photovoltaic process and will calculate the number of solar panels needed to power a typical household. Using a hydrogen fuel cell, they will generate hydrogen gas to power a model fuel cell vehicle. They will explore other alternative energy sources including nuclear, biomass and geothermal. In the design brief section of the Integrated Instructional Unit, students will engineer the construction of a solar cooker. STEM Program

Audio Communications Students are given a genuine experience in the radio broadcast industry. They will learn how a radio broadcast is put together and produce their own news broadcast and commercial. Students experience what it is like to be the “radio personality,” and the behind-the-scenes technician. STEM Program

Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) Students gain an understanding of how CAD is used to communicate design and engineering information. Using popular education CAD software, students learn the fundamentals of CAD operation by performing a series of exercises on pre-drawn templates. Students then print out and evaluate their work. STEM Program

Computer Graphics and Animation Messages and digital information stream at young minds 24 hours a day. They will create logos, packaging, media design, and animated works. As students create their own media, they begin to understand how advertisers use media to stimulate purchases. Students also explore the many opportunities for careers in graphic communications. STEM Program

Digital Music In the movies, on CDs, in broadcasting, or on the Web, digital sound is everywhere. Using the latest in MIDI sound equipment and software, we have developed experiences to introduce students to computer-based music and sound effects production. Each student has the opportunity to create and program original compositions using MIDI software, an electronic keyboard, and computer interface. STEM Program

Environment and Ecology Who’s not conscious today of protecting the natural environment? Students learn about recycling, availability of clean water, and the effects of acid rain. They perform water testing, acid rain, and hydroponics experiments under controlled conditions. This experience provides a real world simulation of bio-related challenges that students will need to address as adults. STEM Program

Electricity Electricity and electronics are the fundamental technologies of our age. Students achieve an understanding of, and create real experiences with, this aspect of physics and how it relates to the world around them. Students build circuits for varying applications while studying the mathematical principles of circuit design. Using a durable training console with permanently mounted components, students complete a variety of hands-on experiments. STEM Program

Energy and Power The internal combustion engine is at the center of the transportation universe. Students will learn the principles of operation, fundamentals of combustion, and adjustment procedures for the Briggs & Stratton four-cycle engine. They will perform precision measurements on many of the engine components. Mathematical concepts relating to displacement, bore and stroke are studied. STEM Program

Flight Technology What captures the imagination more than the exploration of flight? Students quickly understand that the science of rocketry and flight requires knowledge and application of mathematics and physics. By building, flying and testing their pneumatic powered rockets, students realize that their designs and craftsmanship determine flight performance. STEM Program

Forensic Science Students explore the history of forensics and gain an understanding of how the use of science and math have augmented criminal investigation. They learn how to lift a latent fingerprint, and using the scientific method, match the fingerprint to the classroom “criminal.” Students also use a computer based microscope to investigate fiber samples and paper chromatography. STEM Program

Health and Fitness Students explore the physiological systems of the human body. Using dynamic computer simulation software, and health related diagnostic equipment, students compile and record a personal health and fitness program. They learn to prevent sports injuries and see how technology continues to improve athletic performance. Student teams perform hands-on diagnostics to take and record systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rates. STEM Program

Information Technology Since it is possible to communicate with business partners, designers, consultants, and engineering colleagues thousands of miles away, in real time, the ability to use the tools of electronic communication becomes extremely important. Students use Microsoft Office, digital mapping, web page design, and presentation software to create a personal home page for school internet sites and presentations delivered via PowerPoint. STEM Program

Laser Technology Using a variety of equipment, students will explore fundamental laser and fiber optics technology in the bending of light, and laser sound transmission. Student teams perform a sequence of hands-on experiments culminating in the use of the laser to solve a number of commercial and industrial problems. STEM Program

Robotics Students will discover that a robot is a complete systems tool for many applications. They will program a robot, use the fundamentals of robotic programming language, and learn the use of tactile and optical sensors. Students will set up, program, and perform simulations that demonstrate the use of robots in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications. They will discover the roles played by principles of pneumatics, hydraulics and electronics. STEM Program

Structural Engineering Student engineers will apply mathematical and scientific data to configure structural forms and meet hands-on challenges. After building and testing a variety of beam sections, stressed panels and trusses, student teams design, engineer and construct model bridges. The bridges are then stress tested on our computer- interfaced structural tester where students observe and record the results of their construction techniques. STEM Program

Video Production Students explore creative visual image making with the latest non-linear editing, character generation, and special effects control equipment. Student videographers develop a major production focusing on newscasts and human interest short subjects. They also produce several short scripting and shooting projects. STEM Program

Virtual Architecture Students design a virtual dwelling. These cyber- images, which can be entered and explored, permit students to add furnishings, windows, doors and other requirements to meet aesthetic and design specifications. Students modify the interior design and furnishings of a home or office. They learn how to read a blueprint and the fundamentals of space planning and layout. STEM Program